Bridgewater-Raritan Defends Sectional Swimming Title Over Westfield

Panthers rally to repeat as state sectional champions, setting up run at first state title since 2017-20

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Bridgewater-Raritan High School's girls' swimming team, ranked No. 8 in New Jersey, defended its state sectional championship with a 93.5-76.5 victory over top-seeded Westfield High School. The Panthers, seeded third, rallied from an early deficit to win their second straight sectional title, led by strong performances from freshmen Lily Tamedl and Mila Daniels as well as senior Claire Hegedus. Bridgewater-Raritan, which upset No. 2 Hillsborough in the semifinals, will now enter the state semifinals as the No. 1 seed, two wins away from the program's first state title since 2017-20.

Why it matters

Bridgewater-Raritan's victory over Westfield, the No. 6 team in New Jersey, marks the third straight year the Panthers have eliminated the Blue Devils in the postseason. The win cements Bridgewater-Raritan's status as a state power, with the team now positioned to make a run at its first state championship in six years after winning four straight from 2017-20.

The details

Bridgewater-Raritan jumped out to an early lead, winning the 200-yard medley relay and getting key individual victories from freshman Gia Larosa in the 200-yard freestyle and freshman Mila Daniels in the 100-yard butterfly. The Panthers then held off a late charge from Westfield, clinching the win with a 1-2 finish from freshman Lily Tamedl and senior Claire Hegedus in the 100-yard breaststroke.

  • Bridgewater-Raritan upset No. 2 Hillsborough in the semifinals on February 12.
  • The sectional final against Westfield took place on February 13.

The players

Chris Levin

Hall-of-Fame head coach of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School girls' swimming team.

Lily Tamedl

Freshman swimmer for Bridgewater-Raritan who won the 100-yard breaststroke.

Claire Hegedus

Senior swimmer for Bridgewater-Raritan who finished second in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Gia Larosa

Freshman swimmer for Bridgewater-Raritan who won the 200-yard freestyle.

Mila Daniels

Freshman swimmer for Bridgewater-Raritan who won the 100-yard butterfly.

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What they’re saying

“It definitely shows our strength and power. The momentum and concept of being the underdog definitely makes our mindset stronger. It helps us bond more as a team and gives us more confidence going into the meet. Seeing that we keep doing it over and over again helps us believe that we can continue to do that in the future, even when I am not here.”

— Claire Hegedus, Senior swimmer (tapinto.net)

“I just have to remember what I know what to do that I've learned ever since I was a kid. I also remember that I have very good teammates and upperclassmen that also can do as much as I can do. That helps me stay calm and believe in not only myself, but everyone else.”

— Valentina Zirpoli, Freshman swimmer (tapinto.net)

What’s next

Bridgewater-Raritan will face fourth-seeded East Brunswick High School in the state semifinals on February 19. The winner will advance to the Group A state championship meet on February 22.

The takeaway

Bridgewater-Raritan's repeat as state sectional champions, including victories over highly ranked Hillsborough and Westfield, has the Panthers positioned as the top seed heading into the state semifinals. The team's blend of veteran leadership and talented freshmen has fueled its success and has the program poised to win its first state title since 2017-20.